‘Trust and confidence restored’: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif thanks Donald Trump for extending ceasefire
File photo: US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude on Wednesday US President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Iran, expressing hope that the move would create space for a lasting peace agreement.Sharif posted on
He added that Pakistan would continue to promote dialogue, saying, “With trust and confidence, Pakistan will continue to make serious efforts towards a negotiated settlement of the conflict.”
Hope there can be a breakthrough Islamabad talks
Sharif also expressed optimism about the next round of talks expected to be held in Islamabad. “I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to abide by the ceasefire agreement and be able to reach a comprehensive ‘peace agreement’ during the second round of talks in Islamabad to permanently end the conflict,” he said.The development comes as Trump confirmed an extension of the fragile truce, which is approaching its deadline. The US president said the ceasefire would remain in place until Iran submitted a “unification proposal” and concluded discussions.
Although uncertainty remains Extend ceasefire
Despite the delay, uncertainty still casts a shadow over the negotiations. Iran has not formally confirmed its participation and has said it will only participate if the talks yield meaningful results.Meanwhile, the United States continues to impose a naval blockade of Iranian ports, a move that Tehran says violates the ceasefire agreement.Global leaders cautiously welcomed the extension. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it “an important step towards de-escalating the situation” and urged all parties to take advantage of the opportunity for dialogue.The conflict has caused serious casualties. According to the Associated Press, more than 3,300 people have been killed in Iran and more than 2,200 in Lebanon since the war began, with casualties also recorded in Israel and Gulf countries.Pakistan has been playing a key mediating role, with Sharif, Army Chief of Staff Asim Munir and other senior officials actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to bring the two sides to the negotiating table, even as major sticking points such as the U.S. blockade and Iran’s nuclear program remain unresolved.
